Located in the London Borough of Southwark, Dulwich Village is known for its historic character and village-like atmosphere, and the area has long been valued by residents for its unique blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquillity. The neighbourhood features a mix of residential properties, local businesses, educational institutions and community amenities that serve its diverse population.
In 2024, Southwark became the first inner London borough to have over 100,000 trees, setting new standards for urban greening. However, this environmental progress contrasted with growing challenges within Dulwich Village itself, where increasing traffic congestion and pedestrian safety concerns were becoming a growing issue. These pressures created a clear need for enhanced public spaces that could foster community interaction while addressing environmental concerns.
Streets for People Strategy
In response to these challenges, the local authority embarked on an ambitious improvement project centred around the heart of Dulwich Village. The initiative was developed following the permanent implementation of a traffic filter at the critical junction where Calton Avenue, Court Lane, and Dulwich Village intersect.
This comprehensive project falls within Southwark’s broader ‘Streets for People’ strategy, which aims to transform urban spaces with two primary goals: increasing walking and cycling in the area, and creating inclusive spaces that can be safely enjoyed by all community members regardless of age or ability.
Community Consultation and Implementation Process
The Dulwich Village project was developed through a comprehensive, three-phase consultation process to reflect community needs. Phase one focused on assessing junction accessibility via design checks, resident and pupil surveys, accessibility audits, and technical investigations. Phase two centered on concept development, incorporating feedback from surveys, local engagement events, school workshops, and meetings with community groups, businesses, and residents.
In response to community concerns, the proposal was revised in winter 2022 to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance public spaces. Although some called for restricting access on Turney Road, traffic analysis supported maintaining access with alternative improvements. The final phase, a formal consultation in late 2023, gathered feedback on design features. Throughout, the team ensured transparent communication and regular updates.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Located in the London Borough of Southwark, Dulwich Village is known for its historic character and village-like atmosphere, and the area has long been valued by residents for its unique blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquillity. The neighbourhood features a mix of residential properties, local businesses, educational institutions and community amenities that serve its diverse population.
In 2024, Southwark became the first inner London borough to have over 100,000 trees, setting new standards for urban greening. However, this environmental progress contrasted with growing challenges within Dulwich Village itself, where increasing traffic congestion and pedestrian safety concerns were becoming a growing issue. These pressures created a clear need for enhanced public spaces that could foster community interaction while addressing environmental concerns.
Streets for People Strategy
In response to these challenges, the local authority embarked on an ambitious improvement project centred around the heart of Dulwich Village. The initiative was developed following the permanent implementation of a traffic filter at the critical junction where Calton Avenue, Court Lane, and Dulwich Village intersect.
This comprehensive project falls within Southwark’s broader ‘Streets for People’ strategy, which aims to transform urban spaces with two primary goals: increasing walking and cycling in the area, and creating inclusive spaces that can be safely enjoyed by all community members regardless of age or ability.
Community Consultation and Implementation Process
The Dulwich Village project was developed through a comprehensive, three-phase consultation process to reflect community needs. Phase one focused on assessing junction accessibility via design checks, resident and pupil surveys, accessibility audits, and technical investigations. Phase two centered on concept development, incorporating feedback from surveys, local engagement events, school workshops, and meetings with community groups, businesses, and residents.
In response to community concerns, the proposal was revised in winter 2022 to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance public spaces. Although some called for restricting access on Turney Road, traffic analysis supported maintaining access with alternative improvements. The final phase, a formal consultation in late 2023, gathered feedback on design features. Throughout, the team ensured transparent communication and regular updates.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project Implementation and Features
Among a number of other improvements, the project has introduced natural paving on both Dulwich Village and Calton Avenue, creating a more aesthetically pleasing streetscape that harmonises with the area’s historic character. Environmental considerations were addressed through the installation of raingardens along Dulwich Village, designed to absorb surface water and reduce flooding risks.
The transformation of Calton Avenue also included the creation of a new public square area featuring public green space positioned conveniently next to local shops, immediately improving the community experience. Further enhancements include improvements to the cycle track, the development of green spaces specifically designed to support biodiversity, and the implementation of sustainable urban design works on Calton Avenue. The project has successfully balanced practical infrastructure improvements with environmental sustainability measures, creating a more functional, beautiful, and resilient neighbourhood centre.
Technical Implementation and Product Selection
At the heart of the Dulwich Village improvement project lies the transformative urban tree planting initiative on Calton Avenue. The initiative specifically included the installation of a number of carefully planned tree pits at the newly created public square area on Calton Avenue, representing a significant investment in the area’s green infrastructure.
GreenBlue Urban was approached to provide the tree pit systems. The integrated approach to this urban tree planting scheme required careful selection of complementary products to address the multiple challenges inherent in constrained city environments. The foundation of the system was established using RootSpace, which was specified to provide adequate rooting volume in these constrained urban conditions. Crucially, these units maintain adequate soil volume and structure for healthy root growth even beneath heavily trafficked paved surfaces, ensuring the trees can thrive while the urban space above remains fully functional for its intended uses.
The above-ground stability and long-term structural integrity of the installation was addressed through the ArborGuy tensioned guying system, which provides the necessary initial stability during the critical establishment period while allowing the controlled movement that promotes strong trunk and root development. Below ground, root management was achieved through the strategic deployment of Root Barrier. This effectively manages root growth patterns, preventing potentially costly damage to adjacent infrastructure while actively directing root growth toward available growing space and away from utilities, pavements, and building foundations.
Project Implementation and Features
Among a number of other improvements, the project has introduced natural paving on both Dulwich Village and Calton Avenue, creating a more aesthetically pleasing streetscape that harmonises with the area’s historic character. Environmental considerations were addressed through the installation of raingardens along Dulwich Village, designed to absorb surface water and reduce flooding risks.
The transformation of Calton Avenue also included the creation of a new public square area featuring public green space positioned conveniently next to local shops, immediately improving the community experience. Further enhancements include improvements to the cycle track, the development of green spaces specifically designed to support biodiversity, and the implementation of sustainable urban design works on Calton Avenue. The project has successfully balanced practical infrastructure improvements with environmental sustainability measures, creating a more functional, beautiful, and resilient neighbourhood centre.
Technical Implementation and Product Selection
At the heart of the Dulwich Village improvement project lies the transformative urban tree planting initiative on Calton Avenue. The initiative specifically included the installation of a number of carefully planned tree pits at the newly created public square area on Calton Avenue, representing a significant investment in the area’s green infrastructure.
GreenBlue Urban was approached to provide the tree pit systems. The integrated approach to this urban tree planting scheme required careful selection of complementary products to address the multiple challenges inherent in constrained city environments. The foundation of the system was established using RootSpace, which was specified to provide adequate rooting volume in these constrained urban conditions. Crucially, these units maintain adequate soil volume and structure for healthy root growth even beneath heavily trafficked paved surfaces, ensuring the trees can thrive while the urban space above remains fully functional for its intended uses.
The above-ground stability and long-term structural integrity of the installation was addressed through the ArborGuy tensioned guying system, which provides the necessary initial stability during the critical establishment period while allowing the controlled movement that promotes strong trunk and root development. Below ground, root management was achieved through the strategic deployment of Root Barrier. This effectively manages root growth patterns, preventing potentially costly damage to adjacent infrastructure while actively directing root growth toward available growing space and away from utilities, pavements, and building foundations.
Urban Tree Planting Initiative
Species selection for the Calton Avenue trees was conducted with careful consideration of the local microclimate, soil conditions, and long-term maintenance requirements. Native species were prioritised where possible to support local wildlife, particularly birds and pollinators that contribute to urban biodiversity. The tree pits themselves were engineered using contemporary urban forestry techniques that provide adequate soil volume and aeration to support healthy root development, while also accommodating the surrounding hardscaped areas and underground utilities.
Beyond their environmental benefits, the trees on Calton Avenue serve as focal points that enhance the sense of place within the new public square. They create natural gathering spots where community members can interact, providing a psychological benefit that complements the physical improvements to the area. As these trees mature over the coming years, their positive impact on the streetscape will continue to grow, establishing living landmarks that will become increasingly valuable assets to the Dulwich Village community.
The tree planting on Calton Avenue was strategically designed to serve multiple purposes beyond mere decoration. These trees function as natural cooling mechanisms for the urban environment, helping to mitigate the heat island effect seen in densely built areas of London. During warmer months, the canopy provides welcome shade for pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging outdoor activity and lingering in the public square. The trees also work alongside the rain garden installed along Dulwich Village, forming part of a comprehensive sustainable drainage system that helps manage stormwater runoff.
Outcomes
The Dulwich Village project, including the significant tree planting component on Calton Avenue, has now been completed, marking a successful transformation of this vital community space. This achievement represents the culmination of years of planning, community engagement, and careful implementation.
The authority has emphasised its commitment to delivering quality work and maintaining open communication with the community as the new space evolves. This approach recognises that urban developments, particularly those involving living elements like trees, are not static but continue to develop and integrate with community life over time. The success of the Calton Avenue tree planting initiative will ultimately be measured not just by the survival and growth of the trees themselves, but by their contribution to the overall objectives of the Streets for People strategy – creating a more walkable, cyclable, and enjoyable urban environment for all Dulwich Village residents and visitors.
As the trees mature and the new public spaces become fully integrated into community life, the Dulwich Village project stands as an exemplar of how thoughtful urban design, incorporating natural elements and sustainable features, can transform town centres into vibrant, resilient, and environmentally responsible spaces that enhance quality of life for all residents.
Urban Tree Planting Initiative
Species selection for the Calton Avenue trees was conducted with careful consideration of the local microclimate, soil conditions, and long-term maintenance requirements. Native species were prioritised where possible to support local wildlife, particularly birds and pollinators that contribute to urban biodiversity. The tree pits themselves were engineered using contemporary urban forestry techniques that provide adequate soil volume and aeration to support healthy root development, while also accommodating the surrounding hardscaped areas and underground utilities.
Beyond their environmental benefits, the trees on Calton Avenue serve as focal points that enhance the sense of place within the new public square. They create natural gathering spots where community members can interact, providing a psychological benefit that complements the physical improvements to the area. As these trees mature over the coming years, their positive impact on the streetscape will continue to grow, establishing living landmarks that will become increasingly valuable assets to the Dulwich Village community.
The tree planting on Calton Avenue was strategically designed to serve multiple purposes beyond mere decoration. These trees function as natural cooling mechanisms for the urban environment, helping to mitigate the heat island effect seen in densely built areas of London. During warmer months, the canopy provides welcome shade for pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging outdoor activity and lingering in the public square. The trees also work alongside the rain garden installed along Dulwich Village, forming part of a comprehensive sustainable drainage system that helps manage stormwater runoff.
Outcomes
The Dulwich Village project, including the significant tree planting component on Calton Avenue, has now been completed, marking a successful transformation of this vital community space. This achievement represents the culmination of years of planning, community engagement, and careful implementation.
The authority has emphasised its commitment to delivering quality work and maintaining open communication with the community as the new space evolves. This approach recognises that urban developments, particularly those involving living elements like trees, are not static but continue to develop and integrate with community life over time. The success of the Calton Avenue tree planting initiative will ultimately be measured not just by the survival and growth of the trees themselves, but by their contribution to the overall objectives of the Streets for People strategy – creating a more walkable, cyclable, and enjoyable urban environment for all Dulwich Village residents and visitors.
As the trees mature and the new public spaces become fully integrated into community life, the Dulwich Village project stands as an exemplar of how thoughtful urban design, incorporating natural elements and sustainable features, can transform town centres into vibrant, resilient, and environmentally responsible spaces that enhance quality of life for all residents.
